De-risking innovation for a changing sector
Helping industry test, adapt and invest with confidence
The Centre for Advanced Brewing and Distilling will help industry turn innovation ambition into practical progress.
For brewers, distillers and supply chain partners, adopting new technologies, processes or production models can carry significant commercial, operational and reputational risk. Businesses need confidence that new ideas can protect quality, improve performance and support sustainability before they are implemented at scale. The Centre will provide the facilities, expertise and collaborative environment to test, refine and validate new approaches before full commercial adoption. Through advanced digital and physical testbeds, co-location and applied research, it will help partners reduce uncertainty, accelerate decision-making and invest with confidence.
Digital testbeds for confident decision-making
Digital twinning will be one of the Centre’s key tools for reducing risk and improving decision-making. Through Heriot-Watt’s TransiT Hub, industry partners will be able to model production, logistics and sustainability scenarios virtually before committing to operational change.
What Is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual model that mirrors a real-world production environment, allowing manufacturers to simulate operational changes and predict outcomes without disrupting live production.
How the TransiT Hub Will Transform Industry Practices:
- Scenario Testing: Producers can model changes like switching to low-carbon energy sources or adjusting fermentation schedules before investing in real-world changes.
- Efficiency Optimisation: Simulate new layouts for distillation or production lines to identify process bottlenecks and energy inefficiencies.
- Sustainability Insights: Measure the impact of alternative materials or processes on carbon footprints and resource consumption.
How will this benefit the sector?
For example, a distillery exploring a lower-waste production model could use digital twinning to model ingredient inputs, energy use, process changes and likely operational impact before making changes to the production line. That ability to test before committing helps businesses reduce risk, protect quality and make evidence-led investment decisions.
Co-location that accelerates practical innovation
The Centre’s co-location model will bring companies, researchers, students, spinouts and technical specialists into closer contact. By giving partners access to shared expertise, specialist facilities and a collaborative working environment, the Centre will help reduce barriers to innovation and create more opportunities for ideas to move from research into practice.
How Co-Location Drives Innovation
- Proximity to Expertise: Industry partners will gain direct access to world-leading researchers, students, and technical specialists, facilitating rapid problem-solving and collaboration.
- Shared Infrastructure: Startups and SMEs will be able to access state-of-the-art equipment without the need for costly individual investment.
- Knowledge Exchange: Regular workshops, industry showcases, and mentorship programs will foster a culture of continuous learning and shared discovery.
Co-Location in Action
The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt has successfully demonstrated the power of co-location, housing 14 resident companies that benefit from shared access to facilities, research expertise, and collaborative networks. The CABD will utilise this model, tailored specifically for the brewing and distilling sector.
Where innovation can make a practical difference
The CABD will become a beacon of innovation for the brewing and distilling sector by focusing on four critical areas of transformation:
Sustainable Production Testing
Test lower-carbon and resource-efficient production methods in a controlled environment before wider adoption.
Circular Economy Solutions
Explore new uses for by-products and waste streams, creating value while reducing environmental impact.
Digital-First Testing Environments
Use digital twins, predictive modelling and real-time analytics to validate ideas before full-scale production.
Collaborative Impact
Bring industry, researchers and entrepreneurs together to accelerate practical solutions and commercial opportunity.
"The Centre can help partners test ideas, reduce risk and turn innovation into practical, measurable progress."
Professor Nik Willoughby, Director of the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, and Chief Technology Officer, Horizon Proteins
We unite heritage and innovation to protect what makes brewing and distilling distinctive.
We help industry build resilience with the skills, insight and confidence to test, adapt and invest.
We connect talent, research and partnership to create long-term growth and opportunity.
